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Obo Addy was one of a kind. The Ghanaian master drummer, bandleader, and teacher who made Portland his home for over 30 years, passed away in 2012, but his influence in Portland and the Pacific Northwest continues. Having spawned a love for African music in musicians and listeners alike, Obo's greatest contribution was his tireless work in the region's schools --providing exposure to African music and culture for generations of children. By the time he died he had performed for over 1 1/2 million people in the United States. And taught tens of thousands of children about the beauty and significance of Ghanaian cultural traditions and music. Susan Addy continues her husbands important work through the Obo Addy Legacy Project. Addy was renowned as a leader, a teacher, an entertainer and an artist of numerous genres. Under his leadership and vision, the Obo Addy Legacy Project concentrated its efforts on producing major artistic performances, teaching in both K-12 schools and at the college level, and writing compositions. \u201cThrough his music and teaching, Obo affected hundreds of thousands of lives in the Pacific Northwest and beyond,\u201d said Susan Addy, executive director of The Obo Addy Legacy Project. \u201cHis legacy is being written through his commitment to share his talent with young people around the country.\u201d Founded by Obo and Susan Addy in 1986, Homowo African Arts & Cultures originally existed as a virtual cultural center with offerings in schools, parks, community centers and performance venues all over the country. The Obo Addy Legacy Project continues Homowo\u2019s valuable work of adding to the quality of life, the diversity and the creativity of the Northwest. \u201cThe organization\u2019s name has changed, but the vision of Homowo remains the same,\u201d stated Susan Addy. \u201cWe will bring meaningful programs to communities encouraging cultural connections, providing a different view of the world and growing as a music and dance professional company as we reach world class status.\u201d Obo Addy Legacy Project, based in the Northwest, provides the world with a non-profit organization which offers authentic experiences with the music and dance of Ghana, West Africa. We create cultural awareness and understanding through our educational offerings and performing groups that tour the world. Obo collaborated with many local, regional and national artists during his storied career, from Randy Weston to Kronos Quartet to Mic Crenshaw, and showed the world that though music and shared culture, we find the bridge back to our shared humanity. We are honored to celebrate his life, work and legacy. Find out more at: http://oboaddylegacyproject.org